Through the early Colonial years, the southern Catskills were considered unchartered territory, as they were very difficult to navigate. Only Indian trails could be found through the dense forests. Early settlers first trapped animals for the fur trade, and later sawmills and tanneries made up the strongest industries of the area. In 1789, the area known as “Westfield Flats,” which was the home of the Delaware Indians, became the town of Roscoe. Today, these early industries have disappeared, but remains of their existence can be found by hikers exploring the many trails through the very same forests.